{"id":1406,"date":"2015-02-16T08:00:56","date_gmt":"2015-02-16T14:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thenashvillemom.com\/?p=1406"},"modified":"2015-09-21T16:08:09","modified_gmt":"2015-09-21T21:08:09","slug":"setting-up-the-home-command-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thenashvillemom.com\/setting-up-the-home-command-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Up The Home Command Center"},"content":{"rendered":"
One of the biggest pain points for any busy mom is dealing with the in-and-out stuff<\/i> that collects in our homes on a daily basis. Lots of us end up with that collection \u201cspot\u201d.\u00a0 You know the one \u2013 it\u2019s where there\u2019s a stack of bills mixed with crayons, coupons, and the overdue library books. So how can we get a grip?\u00a0 One of my favorite things to do for clients is help them to set up a Home Command Center, giving some shape and order to all of the little things that pile up next to the phone, or back door, or on the kitchen island.\u00a0 The Command Center functions as a repository for the mail, schedules and other dated information \u2013 in whatever form \u2013 that makes its way into the house.\u00a0 Here\u2019s how to get it set up:<\/p>\n Select a central location.\u00a0<\/strong> This spot could be in the kitchen, utility room, or even a family room.\u00a0 It should be easily accessible and have room for a small table, desk, bookcase or cube storage unit.\u00a0 Don\u2019t hide it \u2013 to be effective, family members should be able to get to it easily without having to think too hard!<\/p>\n Make a list of what needs a home.<\/strong>\u00a0 Here are some suggestions:<\/p>\n Your family may have other needs that should be factored in.\u00a0 Do you run a business from home?\u00a0 Is anyone undergoing medical treatment?\u00a0 Do you save receipts for taxes or other purposes?\u00a0 The key is to tailor your Command Center to your needs, and include only the items that have a temporary life<\/i> or consistently go in and out of your home.<\/p>\n Select appropriate containers.<\/strong>\u00a0 Once you have your list, everything needs to have a home where items can be pulled in and out, and located with minimal effort.\u00a0 Mail could go into an attractive flat basket, and borrowed items or returns can go into a deeper basket or bin.\u00a0 An efficient option for paperwork is to purchase a vertical file sorter and file folders (pick out a color or pattern to match your d\u00e9cor).\u00a0 Label folders for each member of the family, receipts, bills, coupons or any other paper items that need to be retained and processed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>(vertical file sorter for categories of paper)<\/p>\n Make use of technology.\u00a0<\/strong> Wouldn\u2019t it be great to not have so much junk mail to deal with in the first place?\u00a0 Try the app PaperKarma<\/a> (free for iPhone and Android) to snap photos of catalogs and other unwanted mail \u2013 it takes care of unsubscribing you and even gives you a report of all the trees you\u2019ve saved.<\/p>\n If kids\u2019 artwork is clogging up your countertops, then ArtKive<\/a> may be just the thing for you.\u00a0 Snap photos of the masterpieces, then caption or label them as desired with name, date, etc.\u00a0 You can even take photos of projects (because how are you going to store that paper mache Egyptian mummy anyway?) When you have enough shots, ArtKive will format and lay everything out to create a beautiful hardback book of your child\u2019s work.\u00a0 The app is free for iPhone\/iPad and Android, and books start at $25.00 (they make fabulous gifts for grandparents!).<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve gotten everything together, setting the Command Center up should be a breeze.\u00a0 As an example, if you\u2019re using a small desk, arrange the vertical file sorter with labeled files on the top, with the mail bin next to it.\u00a0 A calendar\/memo board can be hung directly over the desk to keep everyone aware of schedules.\u00a0 Drawers can be used for keys, devices or extra supplies. Be sure to keep the round file (recycle bin) close by to quickly get rid of extra paper information or junk mail.\u00a0 Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative \u2013 the main goal is to corral items in one spot so they can be processed as needed.<\/p>\n To keep your Command Center functioning, make sure everyone gets in the routine of dropping off their items in the right spots every day.<\/i>\u00a0 Younger children might need a little help emptying the backpack when they get home, but older kids should be able to get into the new habit more quickly.\u00a0 Be sure to go through file folders and bins on a regular basis to determine what\u2019s out of date vs. what needs immediate action vs. what needs to be archived. With the right setup and a little practice, you can get you and your family on track to a more orderly routine!<\/p>\n About the author:<\/em><\/p>\n Sara Skillen is the founder and owner of SkillSet Organizing, a professional organizing business serving the Greater Nashville area.\u00a0Her mission is to help busy people from all walks of life to develop right relationships with their \u201cstuff\u201d and their technology. A former educator, musician and paralegal, she is also a wife, mother of two, and serial list-maker.\u00a0 Sara transitioned to being a home and business organizer in 2012, and became an Evernote Business Certified Consultant in 2014. When not helping people tame clutter, she can be found managing Destination Imagination teams, walking her Labrador Retrievers, or making book recommendations to friends.<\/em><\/p>\n Find Sara at www.skillsetorganizing.com<\/a>, https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/skillsetorganizing<\/a>,<\/em><\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/SaraOrganizes<\/a>,<\/em><\/p>\n http:\/\/instagram.com\/saraorganizes\/<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n
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